Narayana Swamy - Mysore
Political Analyst
Daijiworld Media Network
Bangalore, Jul 31: Karnataka CM B S Yeddyurappa no doubt will go down in the history of Indian politics as one of the most controversial leaders, and for more reasons than one. His fighting spirit sent shock waves across the BJP central leadership - the party had not faced such difficult times even when they expelled Uma Bharathi or Jaswant Singh in the past.
Yeddyurappa's never-say-die attitude continues even after the BJP high command firmly standing against him and forcing him to resign. Nevertheless, this kind of fighting 'spirit' may not be healthy for a national political party. BJP, which has the dubious record of running the country for a full term as well as for just 13 days at different times, almost bowed down to one powerful leader of Karnataka, and still, despite his resignation, it is not in a comfortable position to go against him.
On Sunday morning, when he faxed his resignation to BJP national president Gadkari, he put forward his own conditions to the high command, though without resorting to blackmail. He demanded that his choice of candidate be made the next chief minister, with at least eight of his close followers given top cabinet posts, and also, that he himself be made the next BJP president of the sate.
He also put a condition that if his choice of candidate is not considered for the CM's post, then a secret ballot of MLAs, MLCs and MPs should be conducted.
It is leart that his first wish has already been fulfilled in principle by deciding on Sadananda Gowda as the new legislative leader. The decision is expected to be announced once Yeddyurappa submits the resignation to the state governor this afternoon.
With the state BJP now unofficially splitting into two, both Yeddyurappa and Eshwarappa factions are busy amidst heavy political activties. Eshwarappa, touted to be another frontrunner in the CM race, is reportedly trying to convince the high command that this time the top post should be given to a backward caste, that is, the Ediga community to which he belongs.
BJP leader Dhananjay Kumar told press persons in Bangalore on Sunday morning that Sadanand Gowda is the unanimous choice of the state BJP legislators and MPs, so there is no difference of opinion in that matter.
'Mined' Your Business!
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